According to MasterClass, an author platform is a writer’s ability to market their work, using their overall visibility to reach a target audience of potential readers. An author platform is extremely important for writers to have whether they’re self-publishing or traditional publishing. Self-published authors need an author platform because marketing and publicity is completely on them.
Traditionally published authors need a platform because publishing houses are very selective with their marketing budgets and invest in only a few select authors each year. And even if you are one of the lucky authors to be given a big marketing budget, you will only be supported by your publisher for about 9 weeks. Ongoing marketing efforts are completely the author’s responsibility after that.
The fundamentals of an author platform include a website, social media and a newsletter.
Author Website
Authors need a website as a homebase for their readers to discover their books and learn more about who the author is as a person. A professional author website is also a place where you can showcase social proof such as reviews, share articles written about you, and share information about upcoming events such as book signings and festival appearances.
Social Media
Social media allows readers to get a behind-the-scenes look into the author’s life and provides a point of personal connection between the author and their readers. Social media also acts as a networking platform for authors so they can casually connect with bloggers, influencers, librarians, really anyone who could potentially help push your book out into the world.
Newsletter
A newsletter is probably the most important form of outreach authors have at their disposal because those who opt-in to their newsletters are truly there for them and are interested in what they have to say each week or each month. Newsletters also provide a way to connect with your audience away from the pesky social media algorithms so you can be sure your fans see important announcements and updates.
An author platform is only the first step. Making genuine connections with readers and other authors as well as being consistent will put you in a great position to sell your book. If you want more information about how to kick start your author platform or just looking for some more guidance, schedule a free 30-minute strategy call with me here!
Learn my entire 4-step process for building a rock solid author platform with my Ultimate Author Platform Guide!
